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Published: September 23rd 2018
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All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware - Martin Buber
I woke up a few times in the night and admired the fog shrouded moon out the window. We left the curtains open to try to get as much cool night air in as possible. The fog really rolls in in the evening, and the temperature drops markedly. Except in our room which stays quite warm.
I was hoping to sleep in and have a leisurely morning, but about 7:30 Susan said she thought she better go to the doctor. So I hopped out of bed, threw some clothes on, and sent a message to Abdul. While I was waiting I thought I better grab some breakfast, so I had a pancake and yogurt. I brought Susan a couple of small containers of yogurt and some pastries. We left for the hospital in a taxi, with Abdul, because Susan felt she couldn’t walk although the hospital is quite a short distance away. We got in right away and only had to wait a short time to see the doctor. The hospital was certainly not up to western standards, but we were treated very well by
the doctor. Susan was given an injection (of what I’m not sure), and a prescription for several medications. There was no charge for the hospital visit. We walked back to the hotel (as we realized how close it was) and Abdul went to fill Susan‘s prescriptions. It turned out Abdul had to go to three pharmacies before he found one that was open (because it‘s Sunday today). We just can’t say enough about Abdul, he is so caring and such a great guide. He also brought Susan bananas and a plain bun.
I settled Susan back in the room, and she took her first dose of medication. I then set off for the Supratours bus station, to buy our train tickets. We will be taking the train from Marrakech to Casablanca on Tuesday. The man at the counter only spoke French (not English), unsurprisingly, so at one point I called Susan and handed my phone to the man so he could speak in French with Susan and I could make sure I was getting the correct tickets. That errand complete, I walked to the silversmith place (called the “Centre de la bijouterie Artisanale), which is very close to the
Supratours station, just to make sure I remembered exactly where it was for when I pick up our jewellery tomorrow. Then I thought, why not wander into the medina a bit, so I did, and managed not to get lost. I came back to the hotel via the beach, and waded in the chilly water as I watched soccer players, families and tourists enjoying themselves.
I had a short rest in the room and then met Abdul, John, Barb, Annie, and Linda for our fish lunch. Abdul had gotten fresh fish for us, and had it grilled at a little hole in the wall place in the medina (called Cafe Restaurant Marocain). We had a feast of sea bream, sea bass, sardines, calamari, and shrimp, along with grilled onions and tomato, and bread and olives. It was a great lunch, and Annie fed the leftovers to the medina cats. There are lots of cats in the Essaouira medina, though they are generally in much better shape than the unfortunate cats of the Fes Medina.
I walked back with Barb and John, via the silver place, and Barb got two lovely rings. I wasn’t feeling too great at this
point so I will save my additional jewellery shopping for tomorrow.
I had another short rest in the room; I could have slept for hours but I had booked a hammam and massage and I thought it might make me feel better. Unfortunately Susan was still feeling crappy and missed out. It was a lovely 2 hours in the hammam with Linda and Annie, being washed, scrubbed, shampooed, and massaged. I did feel better after, and very relaxed. My skin is super clean and soft now!
I picked up some sparkling water for Susan, and got back about 7:30ish. I had one of the little yogurts from breakfast, and a leftover pastry Susan didn’t want, and worked on the blog. I am SO hoping Susan feels better tomorrow. We leave at 1 pm for our drive back to Marrakech, for our last night of the tour.
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RENanDREW
Ren & Andrew
Getting sick on the road...
What a bummer about Susan getting so sick, I hope the meds kicked in quickly. I also hope your little twinges didn't eventuate into anything worse. I know how you must have felt not having Susan exploring and shopping with you... but glad you were able to get the jewellery you wanted - it's such a lovely souvenir to remember a country by :)